News for 29 May 2009
Friday, 29 May 2009 09:13 | 
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All the news for Friday 29 May 2009
Hockeyroo debutants shine against South Africa
Hockeyroos 4 South Africa 0
The Hockeyroos have started their new Olympic era on a positive note, defeating South Africa (ranked 12th in the world) overnight in Durban, South Africa.
The victory was particularly sweet for debutant Georgia Nanscawen, with the Victorian school girl scoring a goal in her first international match, one day after her 17th birthday.
All six Hockeyroo debutants, (Nanscawen, Alison Bruce, Emily Hurtz, Stacia Joseph, Heather Langham, Danielle Schubach) played well, showing good signs for the future of the Hockeyroos following the retirements of several veterans, including Nikki Hudson, after the Beijing Olympics.
The Hockeyroos will face South Africa again on Saturday 30 May before playing India on Sunday 31 May.
These matches are preparation for the Spar Cup, held in South Africa from 2 – 6 June against South Africa, India and Argentina.
The Spar Cup will give the young Hockeyroos a taste of international hockey prior to the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy – Women 2009 held in Sydney from July 11-19.
Hockey Australia media release
Euro Hockey League nears climax
This weekend, the stunning climax to the 2008-09 season of the Euro Hockey League – Europe’s elite club hockey tournament for men - takes place in The Netherlands. 36 matches have been played so far in this year’s competition, reducing 24 of Europe’s best club teams down to just four, all of which will compete in EHL Final Four at H.C. Rotterdam this weekend. Reigning champions UHC Hamburg have battled their way once again to the Semi Final stage where they will face Belgium minnows KHC Leuven, a team that has surprised everyone by eliminating two European Champions. The second Semi Final is an all-Dutch affair, with Teun de Nooijer’s HC Bloemendaal taking on host club H.C. Rotterdam. The Semi Finals take place on Saturday, with the third place Play-Off and the EHL tournament Final taking place on Sunday. It promises to be a weekend of spectacular action featuring some of the world’s best players in arguably the world’s finest club competition.
More information about the Semi Finals can be found below.
Semi Final 1: UHC Hamburg v KHC Leuven
Saturday 30th May 2009 – 12:00 (CEST / GMT+1)
UHC Hamburg: When reigning EHL champions Uhlenhorster Hockey Club Hamburg started this year’s campaign with a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Polo Barcelona in November, many suggested that they would be lucky to get out of their group, let alone win the competition. Five months later the team are just two victories away from becoming the first side to successfully defend Europe’s top prize since namesakes Uhlenhorst Mülheim in 1996 thanks to stunning triumphs over Lille, Düsseldorfer and, most notably, Pol Amat’s Club Egara. Germany international midfielders Moritz Fürste and Carlos Nevado – both nominated for EHL’s Most Valuable Player Award – have been in sensational form, while goal scoring defender Patrick Breitenstein has a habit of producing his best performances in big games.
Previous Results: Round 1b - RC Polo Barcelona (ESP) Lost 4-1; Round 1b - Lille MHC (FRA) Won 4-2; KO16: - Düsseldorfer HC (GER) Won 3-2; KO8 - Club Egara HC (ESP) Won 4-3
KHC Leuven: No-one could have predicted this. KHC Leuven have proven all the doubters wrong by reaching the Semi Final stage, and now find themselves on the verge of becoming Belgium’s first ever winners of European hockey’s elite club prize. Their journey has not been easy, with the team being forced to fight their way past two former European champions in the shape of Atlétic Terrassa (1998) and Reading HC (2003). KHC Leuven are extremely strong in defence with Patrice Houssein and Spanish international Jordi Fabregas being key figures, whilst fellow Spaniard and forward Pau Quemada has been one of the outstanding players of this season’s Euro Hockey League.
Previous Results: Round 1b - Three Rock Rovers (IRE) Drew 1-1; Round 1b - Atlétic Terrassa (ESP) Won 3-1; KO16 - Three Rock Rovers (IRE) Won 2-1; QF - Reading HC (ENG) Won 2-1
Semi Final 2: HC Bloemendaal v H.C. Rotterdam
Saturday 30th May 2009 – 14.30 (CEST / GMT+1)
HC Bloemendaal: HC Bloemendaal have a 100% win record in this year’s competition and are desperately looking to lift Europe’s top prize for the first time since 2001. However, the Dutch champions were given an almighty scare in the Quarter Finals by East Grinstead of England, falling behind twice before a late Nick Meijer goal sealed victory. Bloemendaal are blessed with sensational players across the field, including two men who have won five FIH World Player of the Year Awards between them – legendary attacker Teun de Nooijer and Aussie superstar Jamie Dwyer. Dwyer missed KO16 due to the birth of his first child, but he – along with in-form Netherlands striker Ronald Brouwer – is expected to shine in Rotterdam.
Previous Results: Round 1a - Dinamo Kazan (RUS) Won 8-1; Round 1a - Cannock HC (ENG) Won 5-2; KO16 - Cannock HC (ENG) Won 3-1; QF - East Grinstead (ENG) Won 3-2
H.C. Rotterdam: Tournament hosts H.C. Rotterdam are making their second consecutive appearance in the EHL Semi Finals, and for a second time they face Dutch opposition. Last year, their injury-hit squad faced a full strength HGC who proved to be too good on the day. This time around they have everyone fully fit and available as they aim to get past Dutch rivals HC Bloemendaal. With the likes of world record goal-scorer Sohail Abbas, Netherlands forward Jeroen Hertzberger and New Zealand trio Ryan Archibald, Simon Child and Phil Burrows amongst their ranks, H.C. Rotterdam have a squad as good as any club side in the world and are more than capable of lifting the Alain Danet Trophy.
Previous Results: Round 1b - Western Wildcats (SCO) Won 5-0; Round 1b - Reading HC (ENG) Won 2-1; KO16 - WKS Gruwald Poznan (POL) Won 4-2; KO8 - Amsterdam H&BC (NED) Won 2-2 (3-5 APS)
EHLHOCKEY.TV - the official website of the Euro Hockey League - will be broadcasting all of the action from this weekend’s EHL Final Four event in Rotterdam via its live streaming service, ensuring that the outstanding conclusion to the tournament will be seen by as many people as possible. All four matches will be broadcasted live over two days of competition, with the coverage featuring the two exciting Semi Final clashes on Saturday 30th May with the Final and Third Place Play-Off on taking place on Sunday 31st May. It is your chance to watch arguably the world`s finest club competition being televised in the best way possible, with incredible close-ups, stunning camera angles and video replays all adding to the experience.
For more information about EHL Final Four and the Euro Hockey League, please visit www.ehlhockey.tv
Euro Hockey League media release
Rajan has pick of three penalty corner specialists
By Jugjet Singh
K. RAJAN, Malaysia's Junior World Cup coach, considers himself very lucky as he has three penalty corner flickers who are challenging each other to the limit.
And with top flicker Nor Hafiq Ghaffar still in the midst of recovering after an appendix operation, he has been overtaken by Ahmad Kazamirul.
Malaysia and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21 with each country hosting 10 teams.
"Not many teams in the world can boast of having three penalty corner flickers, and so I consider myself lucky as I have many options to play.
"All three have been doing well, and pushing themselves to the limit, and this healthy competition has made them sharper," said Rajan.
The third flicker is Faizal Saari.
"With Faizal also looking dangerous now, I will at least have two of them on the pitch at any one time, and the player who takes the first flick knows he has to get it right if not he will be replaced for the second penalty corner."
On fitness, Rajan is also pleased with the progress of his charges.
"When we played nine friendlies in Europe, after the third match, my players looked like they had just returned from a war zone," Rajan said.
"But now, they can last a fast-paced match, and still keep their form for a string of matches."
Meanwhile, Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Hashim Yusof said yesterday that all the matches at Taman Daya Stadium will be free of charge, including the final.
"Malaysia will not be selling tickets for the tournament, but Singapore will at their stadium.
"The people of Johor should take this opportunity to come and watch some top quality matches for free," said Hashim.
Both the pitches in Johor are ready for the tournament, and Spain, who are in Malaysia's group, arrived a few days ago and have already started training at the venue.
Besides Spain, Malaysia have South Korea, England and the United States for company, and Rajan is aiming for a top-two finish in the group to qualify for the quarter-finals.
New Straits Times
Rajan hands playmaker role to Izzat for Junior W-Cup
By AFTAR SINGH
KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Izzat Abdul Rahim has been chosen to be the playmaker for the national team in the Junior World Cup, which Malaysia will co-host with Singapore from June 7-21.
Coach K. Rajan said that of the six midfielders in the training squad, Izzat did well in the centre-half role during the playing tour of Europe in March.
“He has the ability to control the ball well in midfield and is fast in feeding the ball to the forwards,” said Rajan.
“I am confident he can play a key role between the defenders and forwards in the team.”
The other midfielders in the training squad are Mohd Shafiq Mohd Zain, Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil, Harvinder Singh, Ahmad Termizi and R. Nadesh.
Izzat thanked Rajan for having faith in him to be the playmaker.
“I will give my best to help Malaysia finish among the top two in our group so that we can advance to the second round,” said the Penangite.
Malaysia open their Group C campaign against England on June 7, followed by matches against South Korea (June 8), the United States (June 10) and Spain (June 12).
Group A comprises defending champions Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan and Russia; Group B has Australia, Chile, Germany, South Africa and Japan; and Group D involves India, Holland, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore.
The Group A and C matches will be played at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru while the other group matches will be at the Sengkang Stadium in Singapore.
The Star of Malaysia
England Names Men's Squad for Hamburg Masters
England Hockey has today announced the 18 man squad to compete at the 2009 BDO Hamburg Masters from 4-7 June.
With number one goalkeeper James Fair recovering from a broken toe, the squad includes Beeston goalkeeper George Pinner and Richard Potton of East Grinstead. Although neither player has previously been capped for England at senior level, Pinner has two Great Britain caps from his time in the GB training squad prior to the 2008 Olympic Games. Potton has been invited to provide cover.
Also included alongside ten Beijing Olympians are the five players who made their senior international debuts against Germany in Nuremburg earlier this month; Adam Dixon, Simon Egerton, Dan Fox, Iain Mackay and Richard Smith all retain their places for the return to Germany.
Head Coach Jason Lee believes the time is right for the new faces to stake their claim for a regular place. “Eight of the squad are just at the start of their international career,” he says. “It is imperative that they quickly step up to make the most of the opportunity. Without doubt they will never have experienced this quality or intensity of hockey before.”
The tournament, being played at the home of the 2008 European club champions Uhlenhorster, represents a stern but valuable test for England as they come up against Olympic and World champions Germany, European champions the Netherlands and Olympic bronze medallists Australia as they prepare for the EuroHockey Nations Championships in August.
“The Hamburg Masters is always a high quality event,” says Lee. “We were disappointed not to be able to take part after being invited to participate in last year’s tournament however I believe our invitation for the third consecutive year reflects well on the standard of our play in recent times. The competition this year will be incredibly strong; at the larger Champions Trophy tournament for example, you would normally expect to play at least three out of the World’s top four teams but in Hamburg we will also face first, second and fourth in the World.”
England was invited to take part in the 2008 Hamburg Masters tournament but had to decline the offer, with the tournament coming on the back of the Beijing Olympic Games in October. England’s last participation in the tournament came in 2007 when they finished fourth after defeats by Spain, Germany and Belgium.
England Squad for BDO Hamburg Masters, 4-7 June 2009
No. Name (Club) Age England Caps
1. George Pinner (GK) (Beeston) 22 0
2. Richard Potton (GK) (East Grinstead) 23 0
4. Glenn Kirkham (East Grinstead) 26 84
5. Richard Alexander (Surbiton) 27 67
6. Richard Mantell (Reading) 27 59
7. Ashley Jackson (HGC) 21 15
8. Simon Mantell (HGC) 25 43
10. Matt Daly (Surbiton) 25 68
12. Jonty Clarke (Reading) 28 87
14. Ben Hawes (Surbiton) 28 83
16. Adam Dixon (Beeston) 22 2
18. Barry Middleton (HGC) 25 101
19. Adam Harper (East Grinstead) 22 1
20. James Tindall (Surbiton) 26 66
21. Simon Egerton (Bowdon) 24 2
23. Iain Mackay (Reading) 24 2
27. Dan Fox (Hampstead & Westminster) 26 2
29. Richard Smith (Loughborough Students) 21 2
England Hockey Media release
France welcomes Australia
Men’s Hockey: France has just completed a two match series against Australia on 26 and 27 May in Paris. Australia won both matches, although the visitors did not get everything their own way.
In game one at CA Montrouge on 26 May, France got off to an early start, scoring after seven minutes through a strong penalty corner conversion by Fred Soyez. Australia bounced back immediately to a 2-1 lead, and the game looked briefly at running away from the young French team.
However three consecutive field goals in seven minutes from Martin Genestet, Arnaud Becuwe and Sebastien Jean Jean saw France go into half time with a 4-2 lead much to the surprise of their more decorated opponents, and many of the French supporters.
In the second half, Australia poured on the pressure and accumulated three goals, taking a 5-4 lead with five minutes to go. A desperate French team worked hard until the very end to find the equaliser, with some close opportunities including a missed penalty stroke.
In game two, hosted at the beautiful golf and hockey complex of the Racing Club de France in Versailles, saw a large crowd and another tough match for the home team.
France had two opportunities to take an early lead, but shots just wide of the goal saw the first half a tight arm-wrestle with the two teams locked at 0-0 for 25 minutes. A series of errors from France in the last ten minutes saw Australia score two goals just before half time to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
The Australian pressure was increased into the second half, with the Bleus finding themselves trailing 3-0 after three minutes. However France equipped themselves well and matched the Australian work-rate, pulling one goal back with nine minutes to go in the game.
A late goal to Australia, again the result of continued pressure on the French defence saw Australia lead 4-1 with four minutes to go. Three late penalty corners in a row to France were well-defended by the visitors and the score remained at 4-1 at the siren.
French Coach Scott Goodheart was happy with the matches saying, “Its been more than 15 years since these two teams have played, so the Australian style is not well known the current group of players. The lessons our group have learned on both team and individual levels are hugely significant to us moving forward as a unit.”
“We are improving at each outing, and we look forward now to the next matches against England in England at the end of the month, before we travel to Scotland for the Celtic Cup”, he said.
France has 19 matches between now and the European Cup at the end of August, with this tournament being the first of two chances to try and qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
FFH media release
French Women in Lisieux
In an important part of their 2009 program, the French senior Women’s team will play four matches in Lisieux from 29 May to 1 June.
These matches will be the team’s first international fixture since the touring Australian team played in France last October 2008.
The French Hockey Federation will welcome the senior teams of Belgium and Scotland, as well as the Germany U21 side.
France Women’s Head Coach, Steve Colledge said, “this will be a chance to begin our European Cup preparation against three very good teams who are also preparing for their own objectives in the summer.”
Alongside France, Belgium will be playing in the 2009 European Trophy from 19 to 26 July in Rome and could therefore possibly meet in an important match for promotion to the 2011 “A” division.
Colledge added, ”I am happy to see my players compete for four days in an international environment. Some players will be missing with the club St Germain (playing in the European Club Championship) but it will also be an opportunity for the staff and players with some new faces in the French team.”
After Lisieux, the French team heads to Scotland for the 2009 Celtic Cup. This will be followed by the Alps Cup in Zagreb and then play two matches against Spain in Nice before heading to Rome for their top challenge for the year.
“The French team is still a very young team who are beginning to get to know each other better and enjoy being part of the squad. A lot of the players should also be available for the Junior World Cup in Boston in August,” Colledge said.
A victory for the French in Rome will see promotion back to the “A” Division for 2011, and also secure a place in the qualification tournaments for the 2010 World Cup.
Senior player and midfielder Aurelie Morin said, “two years ago in Lithuania, we missed the B Division semi final on goal difference so we know how tough it is, and that we will need to play well for the whole tournament. During our preparation we will play 12 to 15 matches of quality which will be important before playing in Rome.”
FFH media release
A father and son coaching team is taking over the reins at Southgate Hockey Club.
First team goalkeeper Chris Hibbert and his father Brian are looking to steer the three-time European Cup-winning club back into the top flight next season.
Both boast a wealth of coaching experience while Chris, a South Africa international on the cusp of retirement, has an intimate knowledge of the club and the first-team set-up having played for the men's 1s for the last four seasons.
He will be head coach and his father assistant coach. They take over from former GB international and club stalwart John Shaw.
They will also head a recruitment drive for new players for the team this summer.
Chris, 33, who will combine goalkeeping and coaching duties once the new season gets under way in September, said: "Getting Southgate back up into the Premier Division is going to be a real challenge, but one I’m very happy about taking on.
"Work is already under way to put together the best squad we can, and we’re improving the structure of the club to work more closely with our second team and the superb juniors that the club produces."
Southgate were relegated from the Premier League in March.
As well as being the team's assistant coach last season and its captain two seasons ago, Chris has coached at Spencer Hockey Club for the last two seasons, Brunel University in 2005-6 and Barnes Hounslow Ealing in 2004-5.
A top player, he won the Division One player of the season twice in row - in 2006-7 and 2007-8 - and represented his native South Africa at the Athens and Beijing Olympics Games.
His father has national coaching experience having been assistant national coach of Wales in 2005-7 and Wales U21 men's team's head coach in 2007-8.
He has coached two UK national league teams - then Premier League men's first team Teddington in 2002-3 and then national league side Oxford Hawks in 2003-4.
He was also Barnes Hounslow Ealing ladies' first team coach from 2005-9 - the side finished fourth in the Conference East (formerly national division one) last season, one place behind Southgate's women's first team.
Club chairman David Lloyd-Williams said: "I’m delighted to have Chris and Brian on board.
"Chris is a popular and respected leader in the current squad and brings enormous experience from the highest level of our sport.
"The team of Chris and father Brian is a powerful combination and I’m very confident we’ll be challenging to get back into the Premier Division next season.
"I would like to pay tribute to John Shaw who has made an enormous contribution to the club in his role as men's first team coach."
Southgate HC media release
Gearing up for Celtic Cup
Get ready for some serious hockey action 26th-28th June as Scotland’s senior men and women take on France, Ireland and Wales in the Celtic Cup at Peffermill in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s senior women will be looking to get their hat trick event title in front of a home crowd after winning the event two years running. The men want to move up a spot to grab silverware after finishing second last year behind Ireland.
If these reasons alone aren’t enough to come down and watch, Scottish Hockey’s Performance Manager Callum McLeod explained: “Scotland will field some of the world’s most exciting players. Great Britain Player of the Year Ali McGregor (Loughborough Students) will be in the net alongside his Olympic team-mate Stephen Dick (Inverleith) and Olympian Laura Bartlett (Milne Craig Western) will take the pitch for the ladies.
“Youth Olympic players are also likely to make an appearance, such as Gavin Byers (Menzieshill), Ross Stott (Azzurri Kelburne), Gordon McIntyre (Azzurri Kelburne), Kenny Bain (Azzurri Kelburne), Amy Gibson (GHK) and Becky Ward (Dundee Wanderers).”
The event, sponsored by Edinburgh City Council’s Activcity, is an important build up for all the teams who play in their respective European Championship or Trophy later this summer, with the exception of Ireland A. As Ireland’s senior women will be competing in FIH’s Champions Challenge II in Russia 20th-27th June, an U21 squad, listed as Ireland A, will be present at the Celtic Cup.
Season tickets covering all three days are £12 at the gate or £5 per day. U16s and OAPs get in free.
Senior Celtic Cup Match schedule
Friday 26 June 2009
12.00 W Ireland A v France
14.00 M Ireland v France
16.00 W Scotland v Wales
18.00 M Scotland v Wales
Saturday 27 June 2009
10.00 W Wales v Ireland A
12.00 M Wales v Ireland
14.00 W Scotland v France
16.00 M Scotland v France
Sunday 28 June 2009
10.00 W France v Wales
12.00 M France v Wales
14.00 W Scotland v Ireland A
16.00 M Scotland v Ireland
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Jillaroos face Japanese senior squad
The Jillaroos will be well prepared for the 2009 Women’s Junior World Cup later in the year, first taking on Japan’s senior team in a 5 test series from June 2-8.
The test series will take place in Japan and although the test squad is missing several key Hockeyroo players expected to compete in the Junior World Cup (held in Boston, USA from August 4-16), the team is still full of talent.
Five Hockeyroos (Georgia Nanscawen, Casey Eastham, Emily Hurtz, Heather Langham and Danielle Schubach) who are eligible for the Junior World Cup will not play during this series. However newly named Hockeyroo Anna Flanagan will face Japan along with ACT teammate Catriona Bailey-Price and a host of others.
NSW has the most players in the touring squad with five athletes, while Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia are also well represented.
Jillaroos coach Katrina Powell says the series will allow the team to gel together and go head to head with a quality team.
“Japan’s junior team didn’t qualify for the Junior World Cup, so this series will be against Japan’s senior national team. It will be a great challenge for the group to play against such highly regarded opponents. It will also give all the players a final chance to play well and put their hand up for a spot in the final Junior World Cup team,” said Powell.
Squad
Name, State, DOB, Position
Emma Cobbin, NSW, 6-2-1988, Midfielder
Kate Jenner, NSW, 5-5-1990, Defender
Tamsin Lee, NSW, 31-5-1989, Defender
Jade Warrender, NSW, 20-5-1992, Midfielder
Hollie Webster, NSW, 17-8-1990, Striker
Catriona Bailey-Price, ACT, 15-12-1991, Midfielder
Anna Flanagan, ACT, 8-1-1992, Defender
Jill Dwyer, QLD, 19-5-1990, Midfielder
Tegan Holcroft, QLD, 27-6-1988, Striker
Marnie Hudson, QLD, 21-8-1988, Midfielder
Bianca Greenshields, SA, 21-3-1990, Defender
Nina Khoury, TAS, 8-4-1993, Striker
Emily Lawson, TAS, 3-4-1990, Defender
Emily Wilson, TAS, 6-11-1988, Midfielder
Hannah Cohen, VIC, 20-1-1989, Defender
Emma Pearce, VIC, 18-1-1990, Striker
Ashley Wells, VIC, 17-5-1989, Goalkeeper
Paige Collins, WA, 24-4-1990, Goalkeeper
Schedule
Game 1
Tuesday 2 June, 2.00pm
Gifu Green Stadium
Game 2
Wednesday 3 June, 6.30pm
Gifu Green Stadium
Game 3
Friday 5 June, 2.00pm
Ibuki Hockey Stadium
Game 4
Saturday 6 June, 2.00pm
Gifu Green Stadium
Game 5
Monday 8 June, 2.00pm
Gifu Green Stadium
Hockey Australia media release
Airod players told to keep their cool
KUALA LUMPUR: Armed Forces Airod coach Kamaruddin Misman has warned his players to learn to control their temper.
His warning comes in the wake of team captain Azman Hassan’s sending off for allegedly hitting a Malacca City Council (MCC) player during their Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Division One match at the Tun Razak Stadium on May 17. Azman was handed a one-match suspension.
“Our mission is to emerge champions of Division One and we cannot afford to lose our cool,” said Kamaruddin.
ATM Airod are in second spot with seven points, three behind leaders MCC.
Kamaruddin is counting on his team collecting maximum points against minnows Universiti Malaysia Perlis (Unimap) at the Tun Razak Stadium today.
The Star of Malaysia
GK Motors in quarterfinals
Kovilpatti: GK Motors moved into the quarterfinals of the Lakshmi Ammal all-India hockey tournament beating Tamil Nadu Police by three goals to two on Wednesday.
Chidambaram and Karthi Ganesh (twice) scored for GK Motors while Krishna Kumar netted both the goals for Police.
In the other match, Indian Bank went down to Central Excise (Chennai) in the tie breaker after the teams were locked 1-1 at the end of the regulation time.
Central Excise won 5-2.
In the tie breaker, Chellan Rajesh, Karuppiah, Ravikumar and Kathar scored for Excise, while the lone successful stroke came from Gopi Krisnnan.
The Hindu
Elamanchili triumphs
VISAKHAPATNAM: Elamanchili Hockey Association won the Andhra State invitation hockey tournament beating Visakhapatnam XI 5-3 via the tie-breaker after the regulation time of the final ended in a 1-1 deadlock, at Elamanchili on Thursday.
Moving ahead
Elamanchili went ahead in the 28th minute with B. Suribabu converting a penalty stroke and N. Rajeswara Rao of Visakhapatnam levelled the scores in the 48th minute.
In the tie-break, S. Ramesh, L. Ramesh, Chinna Appa Rao and B. Suribabu converted the strokes for Elamanchili while only K. Rajasekhar and K. Jayaraj were successful for Visakhapatnam.
Earlier results:
Semifinals: Elamanchili 5 bt Ashok HC 2.
Visakhapatnam 6 bt Gudur HC 5 (via sudden death).
The Hindu
Hockeyroo debutants shine against South Africa
Hockeyroos 4 South Africa 0
The Hockeyroos have started their new Olympic era on a positive note, defeating South Africa (ranked 12th in the world) overnight in Durban, South Africa.
The victory was particularly sweet for debutant Georgia Nanscawen, with the Victorian school girl scoring a goal in her first international match, one day after her 17th birthday.
All six Hockeyroo debutants, (Nanscawen, Alison Bruce, Emily Hurtz, Stacia Joseph, Heather Langham, Danielle Schubach) played well, showing good signs for the future of the Hockeyroos following the retirements of several veterans, including Nikki Hudson, after the Beijing Olympics.
The Hockeyroos will face South Africa again on Saturday 30 May before playing India on Sunday 31 May.
These matches are preparation for the Spar Cup, held in South Africa from 2 – 6 June against South Africa, India and Argentina.
The Spar Cup will give the young Hockeyroos a taste of international hockey prior to the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy – Women 2009 held in Sydney from July 11-19.
Hockey Australia media release
Euro Hockey League nears climax
This weekend, the stunning climax to the 2008-09 season of the Euro Hockey League – Europe’s elite club hockey tournament for men - takes place in The Netherlands. 36 matches have been played so far in this year’s competition, reducing 24 of Europe’s best club teams down to just four, all of which will compete in EHL Final Four at H.C. Rotterdam this weekend. Reigning champions UHC Hamburg have battled their way once again to the Semi Final stage where they will face Belgium minnows KHC Leuven, a team that has surprised everyone by eliminating two European Champions. The second Semi Final is an all-Dutch affair, with Teun de Nooijer’s HC Bloemendaal taking on host club H.C. Rotterdam. The Semi Finals take place on Saturday, with the third place Play-Off and the EHL tournament Final taking place on Sunday. It promises to be a weekend of spectacular action featuring some of the world’s best players in arguably the world’s finest club competition.
More information about the Semi Finals can be found below.
Semi Final 1: UHC Hamburg v KHC Leuven
Saturday 30th May 2009 – 12:00 (CEST / GMT+1)
UHC Hamburg: When reigning EHL champions Uhlenhorster Hockey Club Hamburg started this year’s campaign with a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Polo Barcelona in November, many suggested that they would be lucky to get out of their group, let alone win the competition. Five months later the team are just two victories away from becoming the first side to successfully defend Europe’s top prize since namesakes Uhlenhorst Mülheim in 1996 thanks to stunning triumphs over Lille, Düsseldorfer and, most notably, Pol Amat’s Club Egara. Germany international midfielders Moritz Fürste and Carlos Nevado – both nominated for EHL’s Most Valuable Player Award – have been in sensational form, while goal scoring defender Patrick Breitenstein has a habit of producing his best performances in big games.
Previous Results: Round 1b - RC Polo Barcelona (ESP) Lost 4-1; Round 1b - Lille MHC (FRA) Won 4-2; KO16: - Düsseldorfer HC (GER) Won 3-2; KO8 - Club Egara HC (ESP) Won 4-3
KHC Leuven: No-one could have predicted this. KHC Leuven have proven all the doubters wrong by reaching the Semi Final stage, and now find themselves on the verge of becoming Belgium’s first ever winners of European hockey’s elite club prize. Their journey has not been easy, with the team being forced to fight their way past two former European champions in the shape of Atlétic Terrassa (1998) and Reading HC (2003). KHC Leuven are extremely strong in defence with Patrice Houssein and Spanish international Jordi Fabregas being key figures, whilst fellow Spaniard and forward Pau Quemada has been one of the outstanding players of this season’s Euro Hockey League.
Previous Results: Round 1b - Three Rock Rovers (IRE) Drew 1-1; Round 1b - Atlétic Terrassa (ESP) Won 3-1; KO16 - Three Rock Rovers (IRE) Won 2-1; QF - Reading HC (ENG) Won 2-1
Semi Final 2: HC Bloemendaal v H.C. Rotterdam
Saturday 30th May 2009 – 14.30 (CEST / GMT+1)
HC Bloemendaal: HC Bloemendaal have a 100% win record in this year’s competition and are desperately looking to lift Europe’s top prize for the first time since 2001. However, the Dutch champions were given an almighty scare in the Quarter Finals by East Grinstead of England, falling behind twice before a late Nick Meijer goal sealed victory. Bloemendaal are blessed with sensational players across the field, including two men who have won five FIH World Player of the Year Awards between them – legendary attacker Teun de Nooijer and Aussie superstar Jamie Dwyer. Dwyer missed KO16 due to the birth of his first child, but he – along with in-form Netherlands striker Ronald Brouwer – is expected to shine in Rotterdam.
Previous Results: Round 1a - Dinamo Kazan (RUS) Won 8-1; Round 1a - Cannock HC (ENG) Won 5-2; KO16 - Cannock HC (ENG) Won 3-1; QF - East Grinstead (ENG) Won 3-2
H.C. Rotterdam: Tournament hosts H.C. Rotterdam are making their second consecutive appearance in the EHL Semi Finals, and for a second time they face Dutch opposition. Last year, their injury-hit squad faced a full strength HGC who proved to be too good on the day. This time around they have everyone fully fit and available as they aim to get past Dutch rivals HC Bloemendaal. With the likes of world record goal-scorer Sohail Abbas, Netherlands forward Jeroen Hertzberger and New Zealand trio Ryan Archibald, Simon Child and Phil Burrows amongst their ranks, H.C. Rotterdam have a squad as good as any club side in the world and are more than capable of lifting the Alain Danet Trophy.
Previous Results: Round 1b - Western Wildcats (SCO) Won 5-0; Round 1b - Reading HC (ENG) Won 2-1; KO16 - WKS Gruwald Poznan (POL) Won 4-2; KO8 - Amsterdam H&BC (NED) Won 2-2 (3-5 APS)
EHLHOCKEY.TV - the official website of the Euro Hockey League - will be broadcasting all of the action from this weekend’s EHL Final Four event in Rotterdam via its live streaming service, ensuring that the outstanding conclusion to the tournament will be seen by as many people as possible. All four matches will be broadcasted live over two days of competition, with the coverage featuring the two exciting Semi Final clashes on Saturday 30th May with the Final and Third Place Play-Off on taking place on Sunday 31st May. It is your chance to watch arguably the world`s finest club competition being televised in the best way possible, with incredible close-ups, stunning camera angles and video replays all adding to the experience.
For more information about EHL Final Four and the Euro Hockey League, please visit www.ehlhockey.tv
Euro Hockey League media release
Rajan has pick of three penalty corner specialists
By Jugjet Singh
K. RAJAN, Malaysia's Junior World Cup coach, considers himself very lucky as he has three penalty corner flickers who are challenging each other to the limit.
And with top flicker Nor Hafiq Ghaffar still in the midst of recovering after an appendix operation, he has been overtaken by Ahmad Kazamirul.
Malaysia and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21 with each country hosting 10 teams.
"Not many teams in the world can boast of having three penalty corner flickers, and so I consider myself lucky as I have many options to play.
"All three have been doing well, and pushing themselves to the limit, and this healthy competition has made them sharper," said Rajan.
The third flicker is Faizal Saari.
"With Faizal also looking dangerous now, I will at least have two of them on the pitch at any one time, and the player who takes the first flick knows he has to get it right if not he will be replaced for the second penalty corner."
On fitness, Rajan is also pleased with the progress of his charges.
"When we played nine friendlies in Europe, after the third match, my players looked like they had just returned from a war zone," Rajan said.
"But now, they can last a fast-paced match, and still keep their form for a string of matches."
Meanwhile, Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Hashim Yusof said yesterday that all the matches at Taman Daya Stadium will be free of charge, including the final.
"Malaysia will not be selling tickets for the tournament, but Singapore will at their stadium.
"The people of Johor should take this opportunity to come and watch some top quality matches for free," said Hashim.
Both the pitches in Johor are ready for the tournament, and Spain, who are in Malaysia's group, arrived a few days ago and have already started training at the venue.
Besides Spain, Malaysia have South Korea, England and the United States for company, and Rajan is aiming for a top-two finish in the group to qualify for the quarter-finals.
New Straits Times
Rajan hands playmaker role to Izzat for Junior W-Cup
By AFTAR SINGH
KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Izzat Abdul Rahim has been chosen to be the playmaker for the national team in the Junior World Cup, which Malaysia will co-host with Singapore from June 7-21.
Coach K. Rajan said that of the six midfielders in the training squad, Izzat did well in the centre-half role during the playing tour of Europe in March.
“He has the ability to control the ball well in midfield and is fast in feeding the ball to the forwards,” said Rajan.
“I am confident he can play a key role between the defenders and forwards in the team.”
The other midfielders in the training squad are Mohd Shafiq Mohd Zain, Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil, Harvinder Singh, Ahmad Termizi and R. Nadesh.
Izzat thanked Rajan for having faith in him to be the playmaker.
“I will give my best to help Malaysia finish among the top two in our group so that we can advance to the second round,” said the Penangite.
Malaysia open their Group C campaign against England on June 7, followed by matches against South Korea (June 8), the United States (June 10) and Spain (June 12).
Group A comprises defending champions Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan and Russia; Group B has Australia, Chile, Germany, South Africa and Japan; and Group D involves India, Holland, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore.
The Group A and C matches will be played at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru while the other group matches will be at the Sengkang Stadium in Singapore.
The Star of Malaysia
England Names Men's Squad for Hamburg Masters
England Hockey has today announced the 18 man squad to compete at the 2009 BDO Hamburg Masters from 4-7 June.
With number one goalkeeper James Fair recovering from a broken toe, the squad includes Beeston goalkeeper George Pinner and Richard Potton of East Grinstead. Although neither player has previously been capped for England at senior level, Pinner has two Great Britain caps from his time in the GB training squad prior to the 2008 Olympic Games. Potton has been invited to provide cover.
Also included alongside ten Beijing Olympians are the five players who made their senior international debuts against Germany in Nuremburg earlier this month; Adam Dixon, Simon Egerton, Dan Fox, Iain Mackay and Richard Smith all retain their places for the return to Germany.
Head Coach Jason Lee believes the time is right for the new faces to stake their claim for a regular place. “Eight of the squad are just at the start of their international career,” he says. “It is imperative that they quickly step up to make the most of the opportunity. Without doubt they will never have experienced this quality or intensity of hockey before.”
The tournament, being played at the home of the 2008 European club champions Uhlenhorster, represents a stern but valuable test for England as they come up against Olympic and World champions Germany, European champions the Netherlands and Olympic bronze medallists Australia as they prepare for the EuroHockey Nations Championships in August.
“The Hamburg Masters is always a high quality event,” says Lee. “We were disappointed not to be able to take part after being invited to participate in last year’s tournament however I believe our invitation for the third consecutive year reflects well on the standard of our play in recent times. The competition this year will be incredibly strong; at the larger Champions Trophy tournament for example, you would normally expect to play at least three out of the World’s top four teams but in Hamburg we will also face first, second and fourth in the World.”
England was invited to take part in the 2008 Hamburg Masters tournament but had to decline the offer, with the tournament coming on the back of the Beijing Olympic Games in October. England’s last participation in the tournament came in 2007 when they finished fourth after defeats by Spain, Germany and Belgium.
England Squad for BDO Hamburg Masters, 4-7 June 2009
No. Name (Club) Age England Caps
1. George Pinner (GK) (Beeston) 22 0
2. Richard Potton (GK) (East Grinstead) 23 0
4. Glenn Kirkham (East Grinstead) 26 84
5. Richard Alexander (Surbiton) 27 67
6. Richard Mantell (Reading) 27 59
7. Ashley Jackson (HGC) 21 15
8. Simon Mantell (HGC) 25 43
10. Matt Daly (Surbiton) 25 68
12. Jonty Clarke (Reading) 28 87
14. Ben Hawes (Surbiton) 28 83
16. Adam Dixon (Beeston) 22 2
18. Barry Middleton (HGC) 25 101
19. Adam Harper (East Grinstead) 22 1
20. James Tindall (Surbiton) 26 66
21. Simon Egerton (Bowdon) 24 2
23. Iain Mackay (Reading) 24 2
27. Dan Fox (Hampstead & Westminster) 26 2
29. Richard Smith (Loughborough Students) 21 2
England Hockey Media release
France welcomes Australia
Men’s Hockey: France has just completed a two match series against Australia on 26 and 27 May in Paris. Australia won both matches, although the visitors did not get everything their own way.
In game one at CA Montrouge on 26 May, France got off to an early start, scoring after seven minutes through a strong penalty corner conversion by Fred Soyez. Australia bounced back immediately to a 2-1 lead, and the game looked briefly at running away from the young French team.
However three consecutive field goals in seven minutes from Martin Genestet, Arnaud Becuwe and Sebastien Jean Jean saw France go into half time with a 4-2 lead much to the surprise of their more decorated opponents, and many of the French supporters.
In the second half, Australia poured on the pressure and accumulated three goals, taking a 5-4 lead with five minutes to go. A desperate French team worked hard until the very end to find the equaliser, with some close opportunities including a missed penalty stroke.
In game two, hosted at the beautiful golf and hockey complex of the Racing Club de France in Versailles, saw a large crowd and another tough match for the home team.
France had two opportunities to take an early lead, but shots just wide of the goal saw the first half a tight arm-wrestle with the two teams locked at 0-0 for 25 minutes. A series of errors from France in the last ten minutes saw Australia score two goals just before half time to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
The Australian pressure was increased into the second half, with the Bleus finding themselves trailing 3-0 after three minutes. However France equipped themselves well and matched the Australian work-rate, pulling one goal back with nine minutes to go in the game.
A late goal to Australia, again the result of continued pressure on the French defence saw Australia lead 4-1 with four minutes to go. Three late penalty corners in a row to France were well-defended by the visitors and the score remained at 4-1 at the siren.
French Coach Scott Goodheart was happy with the matches saying, “Its been more than 15 years since these two teams have played, so the Australian style is not well known the current group of players. The lessons our group have learned on both team and individual levels are hugely significant to us moving forward as a unit.”
“We are improving at each outing, and we look forward now to the next matches against England in England at the end of the month, before we travel to Scotland for the Celtic Cup”, he said.
France has 19 matches between now and the European Cup at the end of August, with this tournament being the first of two chances to try and qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
FFH media release
French Women in Lisieux
In an important part of their 2009 program, the French senior Women’s team will play four matches in Lisieux from 29 May to 1 June.
These matches will be the team’s first international fixture since the touring Australian team played in France last October 2008.
The French Hockey Federation will welcome the senior teams of Belgium and Scotland, as well as the Germany U21 side.
France Women’s Head Coach, Steve Colledge said, “this will be a chance to begin our European Cup preparation against three very good teams who are also preparing for their own objectives in the summer.”
Alongside France, Belgium will be playing in the 2009 European Trophy from 19 to 26 July in Rome and could therefore possibly meet in an important match for promotion to the 2011 “A” division.
Colledge added, ”I am happy to see my players compete for four days in an international environment. Some players will be missing with the club St Germain (playing in the European Club Championship) but it will also be an opportunity for the staff and players with some new faces in the French team.”
After Lisieux, the French team heads to Scotland for the 2009 Celtic Cup. This will be followed by the Alps Cup in Zagreb and then play two matches against Spain in Nice before heading to Rome for their top challenge for the year.
“The French team is still a very young team who are beginning to get to know each other better and enjoy being part of the squad. A lot of the players should also be available for the Junior World Cup in Boston in August,” Colledge said.
A victory for the French in Rome will see promotion back to the “A” Division for 2011, and also secure a place in the qualification tournaments for the 2010 World Cup.
Senior player and midfielder Aurelie Morin said, “two years ago in Lithuania, we missed the B Division semi final on goal difference so we know how tough it is, and that we will need to play well for the whole tournament. During our preparation we will play 12 to 15 matches of quality which will be important before playing in Rome.”
FFH media release
A father and son coaching team is taking over the reins at Southgate Hockey Club.
First team goalkeeper Chris Hibbert and his father Brian are looking to steer the three-time European Cup-winning club back into the top flight next season.
Both boast a wealth of coaching experience while Chris, a South Africa international on the cusp of retirement, has an intimate knowledge of the club and the first-team set-up having played for the men's 1s for the last four seasons.
He will be head coach and his father assistant coach. They take over from former GB international and club stalwart John Shaw.
They will also head a recruitment drive for new players for the team this summer.
Chris, 33, who will combine goalkeeping and coaching duties once the new season gets under way in September, said: "Getting Southgate back up into the Premier Division is going to be a real challenge, but one I’m very happy about taking on.
"Work is already under way to put together the best squad we can, and we’re improving the structure of the club to work more closely with our second team and the superb juniors that the club produces."
Southgate were relegated from the Premier League in March.
As well as being the team's assistant coach last season and its captain two seasons ago, Chris has coached at Spencer Hockey Club for the last two seasons, Brunel University in 2005-6 and Barnes Hounslow Ealing in 2004-5.
A top player, he won the Division One player of the season twice in row - in 2006-7 and 2007-8 - and represented his native South Africa at the Athens and Beijing Olympics Games.
His father has national coaching experience having been assistant national coach of Wales in 2005-7 and Wales U21 men's team's head coach in 2007-8.
He has coached two UK national league teams - then Premier League men's first team Teddington in 2002-3 and then national league side Oxford Hawks in 2003-4.
He was also Barnes Hounslow Ealing ladies' first team coach from 2005-9 - the side finished fourth in the Conference East (formerly national division one) last season, one place behind Southgate's women's first team.
Club chairman David Lloyd-Williams said: "I’m delighted to have Chris and Brian on board.
"Chris is a popular and respected leader in the current squad and brings enormous experience from the highest level of our sport.
"The team of Chris and father Brian is a powerful combination and I’m very confident we’ll be challenging to get back into the Premier Division next season.
"I would like to pay tribute to John Shaw who has made an enormous contribution to the club in his role as men's first team coach."
Southgate HC media release
Gearing up for Celtic Cup
Get ready for some serious hockey action 26th-28th June as Scotland’s senior men and women take on France, Ireland and Wales in the Celtic Cup at Peffermill in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s senior women will be looking to get their hat trick event title in front of a home crowd after winning the event two years running. The men want to move up a spot to grab silverware after finishing second last year behind Ireland.
If these reasons alone aren’t enough to come down and watch, Scottish Hockey’s Performance Manager Callum McLeod explained: “Scotland will field some of the world’s most exciting players. Great Britain Player of the Year Ali McGregor (Loughborough Students) will be in the net alongside his Olympic team-mate Stephen Dick (Inverleith) and Olympian Laura Bartlett (Milne Craig Western) will take the pitch for the ladies.
“Youth Olympic players are also likely to make an appearance, such as Gavin Byers (Menzieshill), Ross Stott (Azzurri Kelburne), Gordon McIntyre (Azzurri Kelburne), Kenny Bain (Azzurri Kelburne), Amy Gibson (GHK) and Becky Ward (Dundee Wanderers).”
The event, sponsored by Edinburgh City Council’s Activcity, is an important build up for all the teams who play in their respective European Championship or Trophy later this summer, with the exception of Ireland A. As Ireland’s senior women will be competing in FIH’s Champions Challenge II in Russia 20th-27th June, an U21 squad, listed as Ireland A, will be present at the Celtic Cup.
Season tickets covering all three days are £12 at the gate or £5 per day. U16s and OAPs get in free.
Senior Celtic Cup Match schedule
Friday 26 June 2009
12.00 W Ireland A v France
14.00 M Ireland v France
16.00 W Scotland v Wales
18.00 M Scotland v Wales
Saturday 27 June 2009
10.00 W Wales v Ireland A
12.00 M Wales v Ireland
14.00 W Scotland v France
16.00 M Scotland v France
Sunday 28 June 2009
10.00 W France v Wales
12.00 M France v Wales
14.00 W Scotland v Ireland A
16.00 M Scotland v Ireland
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Jillaroos face Japanese senior squad
The Jillaroos will be well prepared for the 2009 Women’s Junior World Cup later in the year, first taking on Japan’s senior team in a 5 test series from June 2-8.
The test series will take place in Japan and although the test squad is missing several key Hockeyroo players expected to compete in the Junior World Cup (held in Boston, USA from August 4-16), the team is still full of talent.
Five Hockeyroos (Georgia Nanscawen, Casey Eastham, Emily Hurtz, Heather Langham and Danielle Schubach) who are eligible for the Junior World Cup will not play during this series. However newly named Hockeyroo Anna Flanagan will face Japan along with ACT teammate Catriona Bailey-Price and a host of others.
NSW has the most players in the touring squad with five athletes, while Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia are also well represented.
Jillaroos coach Katrina Powell says the series will allow the team to gel together and go head to head with a quality team.
“Japan’s junior team didn’t qualify for the Junior World Cup, so this series will be against Japan’s senior national team. It will be a great challenge for the group to play against such highly regarded opponents. It will also give all the players a final chance to play well and put their hand up for a spot in the final Junior World Cup team,” said Powell.
Squad
Name, State, DOB, Position
Emma Cobbin, NSW, 6-2-1988, Midfielder
Kate Jenner, NSW, 5-5-1990, Defender
Tamsin Lee, NSW, 31-5-1989, Defender
Jade Warrender, NSW, 20-5-1992, Midfielder
Hollie Webster, NSW, 17-8-1990, Striker
Catriona Bailey-Price, ACT, 15-12-1991, Midfielder
Anna Flanagan, ACT, 8-1-1992, Defender
Jill Dwyer, QLD, 19-5-1990, Midfielder
Tegan Holcroft, QLD, 27-6-1988, Striker
Marnie Hudson, QLD, 21-8-1988, Midfielder
Bianca Greenshields, SA, 21-3-1990, Defender
Nina Khoury, TAS, 8-4-1993, Striker
Emily Lawson, TAS, 3-4-1990, Defender
Emily Wilson, TAS, 6-11-1988, Midfielder
Hannah Cohen, VIC, 20-1-1989, Defender
Emma Pearce, VIC, 18-1-1990, Striker
Ashley Wells, VIC, 17-5-1989, Goalkeeper
Paige Collins, WA, 24-4-1990, Goalkeeper
Schedule
Game 1
Tuesday 2 June, 2.00pm
Gifu Green Stadium
Game 2
Wednesday 3 June, 6.30pm
Gifu Green Stadium
Game 3
Friday 5 June, 2.00pm
Ibuki Hockey Stadium
Game 4
Saturday 6 June, 2.00pm
Gifu Green Stadium
Game 5
Monday 8 June, 2.00pm
Gifu Green Stadium
Hockey Australia media release
Airod players told to keep their cool
KUALA LUMPUR: Armed Forces Airod coach Kamaruddin Misman has warned his players to learn to control their temper.
His warning comes in the wake of team captain Azman Hassan’s sending off for allegedly hitting a Malacca City Council (MCC) player during their Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Division One match at the Tun Razak Stadium on May 17. Azman was handed a one-match suspension.
“Our mission is to emerge champions of Division One and we cannot afford to lose our cool,” said Kamaruddin.
ATM Airod are in second spot with seven points, three behind leaders MCC.
Kamaruddin is counting on his team collecting maximum points against minnows Universiti Malaysia Perlis (Unimap) at the Tun Razak Stadium today.
The Star of Malaysia
GK Motors in quarterfinals
Kovilpatti: GK Motors moved into the quarterfinals of the Lakshmi Ammal all-India hockey tournament beating Tamil Nadu Police by three goals to two on Wednesday.
Chidambaram and Karthi Ganesh (twice) scored for GK Motors while Krishna Kumar netted both the goals for Police.
In the other match, Indian Bank went down to Central Excise (Chennai) in the tie breaker after the teams were locked 1-1 at the end of the regulation time.
Central Excise won 5-2.
In the tie breaker, Chellan Rajesh, Karuppiah, Ravikumar and Kathar scored for Excise, while the lone successful stroke came from Gopi Krisnnan.
The Hindu
Elamanchili triumphs
VISAKHAPATNAM: Elamanchili Hockey Association won the Andhra State invitation hockey tournament beating Visakhapatnam XI 5-3 via the tie-breaker after the regulation time of the final ended in a 1-1 deadlock, at Elamanchili on Thursday.
Moving ahead
Elamanchili went ahead in the 28th minute with B. Suribabu converting a penalty stroke and N. Rajeswara Rao of Visakhapatnam levelled the scores in the 48th minute.
In the tie-break, S. Ramesh, L. Ramesh, Chinna Appa Rao and B. Suribabu converted the strokes for Elamanchili while only K. Rajasekhar and K. Jayaraj were successful for Visakhapatnam.
Earlier results:
Semifinals: Elamanchili 5 bt Ashok HC 2.
Visakhapatnam 6 bt Gudur HC 5 (via sudden death).
The Hindu